The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has urged the Indian government to gradually restore the Rs 10-per-litre cut in special additional excise duty on petrol and diesel over six to nine months. This move aims to relieve pressure on government finances as crude oil prices stabilise, without significantly impacting consumer sentiment.
The Election Commission is preparing to launch the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' lists, potentially covering 22 states and Union Territories with approximately 40 crore electors.
A section of industry may need to begin compliance immediately, even as most states are yet to notify their rules.
142 assembly seats will go to the polls on April 29 in phase 2.
Polling for West Bengal's remaining 142 assembly seats will be held in the second phase on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Out of the 294 West Bengal Assembly seats, 152 will go to the polls in the first phase on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted the BJP had sealed its victory in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly polls itself, claiming the party would win 110 seats in the polling held on April 23. Addressing an election rally, he promised swift implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), particularly for the Matua community, once the BJP came to power in the state.
The campaign for the current election cycle ended on Monday as canvassing for the final phase in West Bengal concluded with a bitter war of words between rival parties over cross-border infiltration, corruption, unemployment and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The Election Commission has announced a stringent security plan for the second phase of the West Bengal assembly polls, ensuring voters can exercise their franchise without fear. Security personnel will be deployed constituency-wise, and area domination exercises will be stepped up in sensitive neighbourhoods. CCTV cameras will be installed at every polling station, and central forces will remain deployed at booths.
The high-pitched campaign for the first phase of West Bengal assembly elections concluded with the BJP and TMC focusing on electoral rolls and dietary habits, while making promises to voters. Voting is scheduled in 152 constituencies across north Bengal and southern districts, with over 3.60 crore electors eligible to vote. A record number of Central paramilitary forces have been deployed, and several districts have been identified as highly sensitive.
Sporadic incidents of violence were reported in Howrah and Haroa areas of West Bengal in the run-up to the second phase of polling. Clashes broke out between Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters in Howrah, while a police sub-inspector was injured in Haroa during a clash between TMC and ISF supporters.
The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections saw a record voter turnout of 91.78 per cent, the highest since Independence, according to the Chief Election Commissioner. Polling took place in 16 districts with women voters outnumbering men. The Election Commission attributed the high turnout to voter-friendly measures.
The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections saw a high voter turnout across 152 constituencies, with nearly 90 per cent of electors participating till 5 pm. Polling was conducted amid tight security, with reports of clashes and intimidation in some areas.
Voting has commenced in 142 constituencies for the second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly elections, with significant security measures in place. The outcome will determine whether the TMC maintains its dominance or if the BJP can gain ground in the state.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case to probe the recovery of 79 crude bombs in West Bengal following a directive from the Union Home Ministry.
The polling for the Tamil Nadu Elections will take place on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Out of the 294 assembly seats, 152 seats in West Bengal will go to polls in the first phase on Thursday.
A TMC MP was allegedly attacked and a CISF jawan was shot in separate incidents of violence in southern West Bengal, ahead of the second phase of elections. The incidents have sparked political accusations and investigations.
The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections was disrupted by EVM glitches and overnight violence in several districts. Polling was halted or delayed at multiple booths due to malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines. Incidents of violence were reported in Murshidabad and Cooch Behar, with political parties trading accusations.
The Delhi government has initiated the removal of Chinese-origin CCTV cameras installed across the city due to security concerns, with plans to replace them with more secure systems.
The United States and Iran concluded the first phase of in-person talks in Islamabad, with both delegations exchanging written texts to formalise areas of understanding. The discussions, involving key representatives from both sides, are aimed at reducing tensions and exploring possibilities of a structured understanding.
Private sector lender Yes Bank reported a 45 per cent increase in its March quarter net profit to Rs 1,068 crore, with its new managing director and CEO, Vinay M. Tonse, signalling the end of its over six-year-long recovery phase and a readiness to align loan growth with the broader banking sector.
The Election Commission is considering holding the West Bengal assembly elections in two phases to mitigate potential poll-related violence, according to a senior official.
The announced election schedule for five assemblies reveals fewer phases, a condensed voting period, longer gaps between polling days, and a delayed counting process compared to previous elections.
The BCCI has announced the schedule for the 2026-27 domestic cricket season, with the Ranji Trophy being played in two phases and the Duleep Trophy kicking things off in August.
Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his support for Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, acknowledging the pressures of IPL leadership and the team's transition phase after MS Dhoni's captaincy.
Chanmari FC scored twice in stoppage time to secure a 2-2 draw against Rajasthan United FC in their final I-League Championship Phase match. Rajasthan United had led 2-0, but Chanmari's late surge earned them a point.
Pollster Pradeep Gupta predicts the BJP's current political dominance, which began in 2014, is likely to last at least 20 years, drawing parallels with the Congress's long period of power.
vivo India is looking for class 8-12 students from across the country for fully sponsored innovation and product prototyping opportunities at its national tech development platform.
Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar has expressed his faith in the legal process after his son, Bageerath, was arrested in a POCSO case. Kumar has requested understanding and support during this difficult time for his family, while reaffirming their commitment to fighting the case legally.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray recorded his statement in a Thane court, dismissing allegations in connection with a 2008 rioting and assault case related to Railway recruitment agitation.
Male central government employees are entitled to 15 days under service rules and provisions in the private sector depends on the company's policy.
Kolkata Knight Riders confirm Rachin Ravindra's departure to prepare for New Zealand's Test tour of England, impacting KKR's squad balance in a crucial phase of the IPL season.
Police in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, seized illegal liquor worth Rs 5.14 lakh from a pickup vehicle and arrested one alleged smuggler during a checking drive.
After spending 31 months in Chennai's Puzhal prison, Ahmed Buhari is finally breathing free, as courts across the country quashed proceedings linked to his group company Coastal Energy.
Virat Kohli has acknowledged the positive influence of Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour in helping him rediscover his passion for cricket after a difficult period following his departure from the India captaincy.
Lucknow Super Giants' IPL season was marked by inconsistent selections, questionable combinations, and a lack of clarity in their strongest XI, leading to a disappointing campaign.
Railway Board officials clarify that a bullet train image at Rail Bhawan is representational, not the actual design, contrary to media reports.
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has launched a new Retirement Income Scheme (RIS) and drawdown options under the National Pension System (NPS), offering greater flexibility for managing pension savings post-retirement. Additionally, PFRDA has eased annuity surrender rules, allowing exits in cases of critical illness or for older contracts with explicit surrender clauses.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has suspended three senior IPS officers for alleged mishandling and dereliction of duty during the initial investigation into the RG Kar hospital rape-murder case.
Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani has lauded Mitchell Starc's influence on younger players, highlighting his work ethic, mentorship, and ability to perform under pressure, as the team fights for an IPL play-off spot.
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